strong man

The Hebrew in 1 Samuel 14:52 that is translated as “strong (or: mighty) man” in many English versions is translated into Anuak as “liver is strong” (i.e., “fearless”).

For other translations using the term “liver” in Anuak see here and see Seat of the Mind for traditional views of “ways of knowing, thinking, and feeling.”

Philistines

The term that is transliterated as “Philistines” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that signifies the helmet the Philistine warriors wore was decorated with feather-like objects. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Philistines” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

Click or tap here to see a short video clip about Philistines (source: Bible Lands 2012)

Saul

The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Saul” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the sign that depicts “sword in chest” (referring to 1 Samuel 31:4 and 1 Chronicles 10:4) and also “self-centered.” (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Saul” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

Click or tap here to see a short video clip about King Saul (source: Bible Lands 2012)

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Saul .

complete verse (1 Samuel 14:52)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 14:52:

  • Kupsabiny: “The Israelites used to fight terribly always with the Philistines in the time of Saul’s rule. At that time, Saul used to get hold of every young man he found to be strong and brave and then made (him) to become his soldier.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Saul had to do battle with the Philistines during his entire lifetime. So he chose any who were strong and courageous for the work of his commanding general.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “For the whole/entire life of Saul the war between/[lit. of] the Israelinhon and the Filistinhon (was) severe. Whenever Saul saw a brave and strong man he then made him a soldier.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “All the time that Saul was alive, his army fought against the Philistia army. And whenever Saul saw a young man who was brave/not afraid to fight and strong, he forced him to join his army.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 14:52

This verse stands alone as a paragraph in many translations, summarizing the continual war between Israel and the Philistines during Saul’s rule. The Philistines were already mentioned in the summary statement in verse 47, but this verse highlights the fact that they were a special case among the enemies of Israel.

There was hard fighting: this may sound too impersonal in some languages. The translation should probably indicate that Saul was intensely involved in this fighting.

All the days of Saul is a literal translation of the Hebrew. Revised English Bible says “throughout Saul’s lifetime.”

Valiant man: literally “son of worth [or, son of power].” The same noun is found in the expression “did valiantly” in verse 48. And a similar idiom is translated “men of valor” in 10.26.

He attached him to himself: a literal translation may result in an unnatural expression in some languages. The meaning is clearly expressed in Good News Translation. In some cases it may be appropriate to say that “he drafted them into his army” or that “he persuaded them to join his soldiers.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .